Paul Newman’s joy of auto racing accelerated after his starring turn in this 1969 film. Newman is Frank Capua a rising star on the race circuit who dreams of winning the ultimate–the Indianapolis 500. However, that driving ambition puts him on the verge of losing his wife Elora (Joanne Woodward) to his rival, Luther Erding (Robert Wagner), and strains the relationship with his stepson (Richard Thomas).
As the title tips, of course Newman gets the girl and is victorious on the track. Released forty years ago today, good production values including fine cinematography make the show worth watching.
The film’s winning line?
Frank to Elora – “People stay married because they want to, not because the doors are locked.”
good editing of the race scenes as I recall and Robert Wagner was particularly good as Newman’s rival.
racing scenes were edited well but the story overall was just so-so
Yes Paul was very believable as a racer here.